Oliver Haddon, a third year student studying Team Entrepreneurship at Bristol Business School, has won The Future Leader in Business Undergraduate of the Year award in the Annual TARGETjobs competition.

12 prestigious awards were up for grabs, including Future CFO, Future Business Leader and the One to Watch, alongside more industry-focused categories such as Computer Science, Engineering and Management.

Applications were submitted by 3,441 undergraduate from universities across the country for one of the 12 awards and 1,050 made it through the assessment process. This consisted of three stages, including an application and questionnaire; an online assessment with situational, numerical and inductive reasoning tests; and finally, an in-person assessment with the respective award sponsor.

Oliver was presented with his award by writer and television presenter Konnie Huq and by Phillipa Jackson, Mars Petcare Head of People and Organisation. Mars were the award sponsors.

Oliver said, “I would definitely recommend applying for the awards, I've enjoyed every part of it and it's really stretched and pushed me. I am about to finish Business (Team Entrepreneurship) which has been fundamental to my success in this award. The course teaches you key business skills but also how to apply them in the real world. The course allows you to really work on things you are passionate about and focus on your own personal development. I have been able to complete an internship alongside my degree to aid my learning and co-founded a marketing company with two other students on the course.

“I owe a lot to my business coach, Akin Ojolo, the staff involved in the course and the University itself Throughout my three years I have always felt supported by UWE and that they really are there to help you get through your degree. They also provide countless extra-curricular activities and awards that are valued by employers. I was lucky enough to be involved in the UWE apprentice challenge sponsored by Samsung and my group came away with a mentor and the tech to start our company.

“If you want to be proactive in starting a business, or get real experience to set a platform for your career, then this course is very effective. I have managed to secure a job with Mars after winning this award, however when the time is right I know that I will run my own organisation. The course doesn't limit you from seeking employment after university and all employers I have networked with have shown great interest in what we do on the course, I just don't feel quite ready to take that leap yet, but when the opportunity arises I will follow my passion of entrepreneurship.”